Mourinho: Chelsea are up there with best teams in the world... and let's hope United can join us in quarter-finals

Jose Mourinho declared Chelsea were back among Europe’s elite after they cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals.

First-half goals from Samuel Eto’o and Gary Cahill secured a 3-1 aggregate win over Galatasaray as Chelsea succeeded where Manchester City and Arsenal had failed last week — by taking their place in Friday’s last-eight draw.

Chelsea were knocked out in the group stage last season before going on to win the Europa League under Rafa Benitez.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch post-match reaction from Mourinho, Mancini and Hazard

Cool character: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is happy they have reached the Champions League quarter-finals

But Mourinho said: ‘It’s different
from last season because last season was the Europa League, a different
level. To come from the Europa League to the quarter-finals of the
Champions League is important for the club.

‘We
are a Champions League club and now we are among the best eight, the
best clubs in the world, and the players deserve to be there.

'We wait for the draw. It doesn't matter who. All the big candidates want to win the competition. Welcome to any one of them.'